TIA wants opinions on sustainability

TAMPA - Tampa International Airport is seeking public input Tuesday evening to help create a federally backed sustainability plan to address environmental, energy, road access, noise and other factors important to those who use and live near the airport.

Tampa International is one of 25 airports with a Federal Aviation Administration grant to participate in the sustainability planning process, drawing $608,000 from the FAA and contributing $200,000 of its own funds to the project.

Airport officials will use high tech voting devices to conduct live polling during the public visioning session from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Student Services Building on Hillsborough Community College's Dale Mabry campus.

Airport tenants are invited to a similar session in the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority boardroom at Tampa International from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, and airport staff will gather later Wednesday for another session.

Officials want to know what issues should shape the development and operation of Tampa International; what priorities are most important to those who both use and live near the airport; and what sustainability issues and vision should be considered for the future of the airport.

"We're fortunate to be located in a place that attracts people from around the world to enjoy our natural environment," airport Chief Executive Officer Joe Lopano said. "We want to do all we can to protect that resource."